October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As part of SAVEÕs (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments) efforts to shine light on the needs of domestic violence survivors, we are launching several projects and events, including reintroducing our Shelter Meal Donation Project.

SAVEÕs Shelter Meal Donation Project became a popular community drive from May-August, 2013 during a much-needed renovation of SAVEÕs emergency shelter kitchen. SAVE asked our community for help and our kind and generous supporters delivered. Because the lack of stoves and ovens made a hot evening meal impossible to prepare, we asked for one hot dinner per day. Over a 3-month period, we received over 80 meals! Social clubs, service and employee groups, faith organizations, families, groups of friends, and individuals contributed delicious, abundant meals made with love. Our residents really enjoyed being treated to a nightly supper and are grateful for our donorsÕ kindness.

SAVEÕs emergency shelter kitchen is now a bright, cheerful space with more storage and work space, a family-friendly and ADA-compliant layout, and industrial-quality appliances that will withstand heavy use. Many thanks to Cargill, The City of Fremont, and The Omron Foundation for making the remodel possible.

Because of continued donor interest, SAVE is again accepting meal donations on Mondays and Thursdays. If you would like to participate, please contact Tina at (510) 574-2266 or tina@save-dv.org. If you prefer to donate a meal on a weekend, we will work with you. For additional info, visit: http://save-dv.org/emergency-shelter-meal-preparation/

To learn more about SAVE, including our many free prevention and support services for domestic violence survivors and their families, visit www.save-dv.org. SAVE is also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/save.dv and on Twitter: @SAVE_againstDV.